Dubai: Hopes are high in Chile that their current ‘golden generation’ of talent can cross the Andes and conquer in Brazil this summer. While matching the achievement of La Roja’s 1962 vintage, who reached the semi-finals on home soil, is little more than a pipe dream, they certainly have the talent to make an impression this summer.

Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli’s side qualified third in the notoriously tough South American qualifiers, in which even the highly-rated Uruguay team needed an intercontinental play-off against Jordan to secure their place in the World Cup. The dangerous Chileans then embarrassed England 2-0 at Wembley and gave Germany a fright before going down 1-0 in a pair of high-profile friendly matches.

Luis Vazquez/Gulf News

Led by fiery, full-blooded Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and livewire Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez, Chile will be a dangerous proposition in Brazil. Their only problem is the draw, which has them battling it out with not just one, but both of the 2010 finalists in the shape of Spain and the Netherlands, while unfancied Australia make up Group B.

And, if that wasn’t bad enough, the runners-up in that pool will more than likely have to face hosts Brazil in the second round. That would be a particular problem for Chile, who have a poor record against the Selecao and were thrashed 3-0 by them at the same last-16 stage in South Africa four years ago.

Coach Sampaoli takes charge of his first World Cup campaign after succeeding Claudio Borghi in December 2012. He is well respected in Chile after leading Universidad de Chile to three league titles and the Copa Sudamericana, but whether he will be able to match the popular Marcelo Bielsa’s 2010 performance will depend on their games against European giants Spain and the Netherlands.

Another potential problem looming on Chile’s horizon is the state of Vidal’s knee, with the 26-year-old reportedly considering minor surgery ahead of the tournament, which would leave him battling to be fit in time for the group stage.

Chile

Group B
Fifa ranking: 13

Top man

Arturo Vidal
Date of birth: May 22, 1987 (age 26)
Place of birth: Santiago
Height: 1.80m
Weight: 75kg
Playing position: Central midfielder
International caps: 53. Goals: 8
Club: Juventus (Italy)

Coach

Jorge Sampaioli
Date of birth: March 13, 1960 (age 54)
Place of birth: Santa Fe, Argentina
Manager since: December 2012
Record: P17 W10 D4 L3 — 59% win record

Best 11 (3-5-2)

Bravo; Albornoz, Jara, Medel; Beausejour, Gutierrez, Diaz, Vidal, Isla; Vargas, Sanchez

Squad

Goalkeepers: Claudio Bravo (Real Sociedad), Johnny Herrera (Universidad de Chile), Cristopher Toselli (Universidad Catolica)

Defenders: Gary Medel (Cardiff City), Jose Rojas (Universidad de Chile), Eugenio Mena (Santos), Gonzalo Jara (Nottingham Forest)

Midfielders: Arturo Vidal (Juventus), Mauricio Isla (Juventus), Marcelo Diaz (Basel), Francisco Silva (Osasuna), Felipe Gutierrez (FC Twente), Jose Pedro Fuenzalida (Colo Colo), Carlos Carmona (Atalanta), Jean Beausejour (Wigan), Charles Aranguiz (Internacional), Miiko Albornoz (Malmo).

Forwards: Alexis Sanchez (Barcelona), Eduardo Vargas (Valencia), Jorge Valdivia (Palmeiras), Mauricio Pinilla (Cagliari), Esteban Paredes (Colo Colo), Fabian Orellana (Celta Vigo)

Group opponents

Spain
Netherlands
Australia

Qualifying campaign

Finished third in South American qualifying behind Argentina and Colombia.

World Cup history

First tournament: 1930 (in Uruguay)
Appearances (excluding 2014): 8
Best finish: Third place (1962)

Pros

  • Possess a pair of world-class talents in Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez.
  • Are the only team in their group playing on their home continent.
  • The pace in Chile’s side can trouble the best teams in the world.

Cons

  • Slightly suspect defence may undo the good work of their attackers.
  • Vidal’s fitness could be a worry after he underwent knee surgery at the end of the season.
  • Some of the bit-part members of the squad are likely to get found out by high-class opponents.